1. Summer. I can not get over how much I love that it is warm outside. That the sun is up before I leave for work and is still up when I leave for home. That we can run around in bare feet. This is my favorite time of year!

2. My new dress. This deserves its very own post. But I have a new found love of dresses.

3. Pink toenails. I let my toenails go au natural during the winter months when my feet were constantly covered with thick socks and boots. But with the warm weather comes sandals and flip flops. So I'm back to my pink nails. And I smile every time I see them.

4. Lists. There is nothing that brings the same satisfaction as making a list and then getting to cross things off of it. Lists make me feel organized, efficient, and thorough. It may just be a mirage, but at least while I'm making my list and crossing things off it, that's how I feel.

5. Farmer's markets. It's that time of year again. I love strolling past all the vendors, looking at the vegetables and flowers and fresh breads. I love seeing things like rhubarb, and purple asparagus, and organic arugula and buying what is available and coming home and being inspired by what I bought.

6. Dusk. There is nothing like dusk in the summer. We get the boys out of the house and stroll down the sidewalk, talking, catching up on the day, and enjoying that beautiful, transient time of day.

7. Peeps. I think this stems from my love of marshmallows in general. But I love Peeps. Not only are they marshmallows, but they are cute shapes in different colors. And now they have them for almost every holiday, not just Easter!

8. Antique stores. Oh, I love antique stores. Even if I don't end up buying anything, I usually just have to pop in and look. It feels like things I get from an antique store for my home just mean more than things I get from a chain store. And since the items usually require a little elbow grease, it also feels very personal.

9. The smell of my boys coming after a bath. Okay, it's true. There are times, no matter how clean they are, that little boys just have a smell somewhat reminiscent of wet dog. I don't understand this at all. But after a bath, when the smell of daycare and the classroom and the cardboard box fort have been washed away, the smell of their clean hair just makes me feel all soft inside.

10. The beach. Just give me a beach. I'm not really that picky. It's my favorite place in the world. I always thought I would end up living by one...and now I live in Iowa.

For this, I'm supposed to list 5 things I love. I'm going to make this 5 different things, just to make this harder on myself, and realize why procrastination never pays.

1. Mangoes. I think I avoided this fruit for a very long time because of a bad experience or impression as a child. I can't even remember the details. But now, I feel like I can't get enough. Fresh mangoes, mango juice, and dried mangoes. Yum, yum, yum!

2. Post It Notes. This things are great. I've got three stacks of different colors on my desk right now. I write random thoughts and just slap them on the wall...silly things the boys say, thoughts for posts, quotes I love. Then, when I have time, I can take them down. No tape, no giant sheet of paper. Just pure brilliance.

3. Scrub hats. Okay, I don't actually have any yet. I'm in the process of ordering them for when I start back in the operating room in July. But I'm sure in love with the idea of scrub hats. Not only do they come in nearly any darling pattern I want, no one will ever see my hair at work again!

4. Hydrangeas. These are by far my favorite flower. I had them at my wedding. And the great thing about Iowa is they actually grow here. I haven't planted any yet, due to the yard still needing some landscaping before the plants go in. But I've already picked out the perfect place.

5. Popcorn. Yes, I realize that this is the third food I've mentioned so far, but I'm convinced there is no better snack than popcorn. It's versatile, it's cheap, it's quick to make. And it's just down right delicious. In fact, I'm going to go make some as soon as I hit publish.

From Brittany, one of my newest blogging friends, came this blog award.

This one asks that I share 7 things about myself. Whew, this is turning into a lot of work. But, after all the blog love I've received, it's really hard to complain. It would be like complaining that my wallet is too small for my hundreds and my diamond shoes are too tight! (Bonus if you know the reference!)

1. Once I start a book, it is next to impossible for me to put it down. It doesn't matter what other things I have to do, how busy I am, how late it is. I just can't stop reading until the book is done. I have no ability to pace myself or make the book last longer.

2. On the other hand, I have no ability to stay awake during movies. I don't think I've seen the end of a movie in, oh, probably years. In fact, I haven't really seen that many middles of movies either. This drives Hubster crazy. But, seriously, I'm really tired, and holding still and relaxing in front of the TV is sleep inducing.

3. I have such a strong dislike of doing dishes that it prevents me from cooking. I actually love cooking. I love new recipes and trying new food. But most the time, all I can think about is that I'll have to clean and wash everything I use, so I'd rather just order pizza and use paper plates.

4. I've read Pride and Prejudice once a year for the past 7-8 years. One year, I read it twice. The story just never gets old.

5. I have a complete irrational fear of potlucks. I hear the word and I get sweaty palms. Or get-togethers or company picnics where people say, "Oh, just bring a side dish." I panic. What am I supposed to make? What qualifies as a side dish? How much should I make? Will people even like this? What if someone else makes the exact same thing? I hate, hate, hate potlucks.

6. I have never had a pedicure. Except the ones I give myself. In fact, the only manicure I've ever had was for my wedding.

7. It's my dream to find a historic home, or an old farm house and restore it. I just love the thought process and the decision making. This idea, unfortunately, stressed Hubster out. Just fixing up our current home stresses him out. But me, I love it!

Every one of the bloggers I mentioned are amazing bloggers. If you have a moment, stop by and say hello. I just can't get over what an amazing community this is, the unbelievable women that are part of it, and the fantastic friends that I've made.

Me

I am the mother of three boys and the only girl in this family of five. I adore being a parent more than I imagined. Currently, my free time is spent as an anesthesiologist. I'm usually happy, always tired, and learning to be more laid back.

Hubster

Hubster is my wonderful husband. He is in his last year of dental school. He never fails to impress me with his patience, handy man skills, and ongoing ability to put up with all the craziness in our lives.

Bug

Bug is our amazing 12 year old. He is creative and smart, and developing an impressive sarcastic side. In addition to his love of reading (which I like to take credit for), he's also developing an interest in running, coding, and resistance to chores.

Monkey

Monkey is our happy 8 year old. He is loud, laughing, and fearless, marching to the beat of his own drum. He makes friends where ever he goes. He will talk your ear off about Pokemon and Minecraft. His imagination is boundless and his sense of style all his own.

Duck

At two years of age, Duck is the baby of the family. He's still cuddly and adorable, but working on developing the perfect tantrum. He adores his big brothers and a good snuggle almost as much as he enjoys chasing the cats.

I'm Currently Reading...

Bug and I are Reading Together...

What We Are Eating This Week

Monday: Tacos

Tuesday: Hot Dogs

Wednesday: Lentil Soup

Thursday: Chicken Pot Pie

Friday: Homemade Pizza

Saturday: Fried Rice

Sunday: Salad Bar

They Said It Better...Weekly Quote

"What I can do is offer myself, wholeheartedly and present, to walk with the people I love through the fear and the mess. That's all any of us can do. That's what we're here for."